Category: In the Garden

Pollinator Visitors to Stokesia

Jun 17, 2024 | In the Garden

If you’re looking for a beautiful native plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis) is a good choice. I spent an hour in the Perennial border in the...

Question of the Week – Pecan Leaf Phylloxera

Jun 12, 2024 | In the Garden

What caused the galls to form on this pecan leaf? These galls were caused by an insect called the pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis). These are tiny aphid-like insects that feed on...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – June 10, 2024

Jun 11, 2024 | In the Garden

Finally, a little rain fell around the state, though things remain fairly dry overall. Disease and insect pests are becoming more common as tomatoes, cucurbits, and sweet corn come to harvest. See...

Cicadas Have Left Their Mark

Jun 10, 2024 | In the Garden

Do not be surprised to start seeing evidence of the periodic cicada invasion. Females damage small branches by their egg-laying activities. They use their ovipositor to cut slits through the bark...

What Not to Plant – Horsetail

Jun 6, 2024 | In the Garden

Have you ever planted something in your garden and years later regretted it? There are several plants in my garden that fit that bill. One such plant is horsetail or scouring rush (Equisetum...

Question of the Week – Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

Jun 5, 2024 | In the Garden

What is munching on this dill? This caterpillar is the larval form of the Eastern black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius). This is a beautiful species of butterfly that is common in the...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – June 3, 2024

Jun 4, 2024 | In the Garden

As the weather continues to warm up, strawberry harvest wraps up, tomatoes and peppers are coming on strong, and cucurbit harvest is beginning. Read more details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming...

This Month in the Garden – June 2024

Jun 3, 2024 | In the Garden

Coastal Region – Glen Payne Pitcher plants in the Lowcountry of South Carolina are hard at work. The yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava, is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United...

Can you Spot Five Problems with this Picture?

May 30, 2024 | In the Garden

Summer temperatures are here. This also means more weeds, insects, and other pests in yards. It is tempting to spray pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) in the yard while wearing...

Question of the Week – Rice Trunk

May 29, 2024 | In the Garden

What is this piece of equipment used for? This piece of equipment is called a trunk and was historically used to manipulate the water levels in rice fields along the coast of South Carolina. The...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – May 28, 2024

May 28, 2024 | In the Garden

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower...

Home Garden Genetics

May 27, 2024 | In the Garden

Some wild things are happening in the realm of home gardens this year. Breakthrough breeding via genetic engineering is bringing two first-of-their-kind plants into the hands of average folks. A new...